Brent police have urged women not to wear earphones when coming out of Willesden Green station after a 10th sexual assault was reported.

Officers believe the attack on the woman early on Sunday morning is linked to nine other attacks in the area.

The victim, who had a caught a train to Willesden Green Underground Station, was approached by a man in Walm Lane at about 3.20am on October 7, Scotland Yard said.

He attempted to engage her in conversation before sexually assaulting her.

Officers believe the offence is linked with nine separate incidents between February and September where lone women have been approached and sexually assaulted by a man.

These have occurred predominately over the weekend late at night or early in the morning, police added.

On most occasions a man has approached the women as they are walking in the street from Willesden Green tube station and attempted to engage them in conversation, asking for a kiss or hug, before touching them.

The suspect is described as a black man, of medium build, aged in his 20s or 30s and wearing dark clothing.

A 37-year-old man who was arrested on July 19 on suspicion of sexual assault has been released under investigation.

Det Con Laura Avery, of Brent CID, said: “This a series of shocking sexual assaults on lone women and I am appealing for anyone who has information that could help identify and apprehend this suspect to contact police immediately.

“I would also appeal to women in the local area to take care when they are walking, especially if they are alone.

“Always stick to well lit streets; if possible, let someone know when you are coming home and the route you are taking and always be alert in your surroundings so don’t use earphones or handheld devices.